Recycled DIY Wall Art

Decor, DIY

When I was giving my balcony a makeover, I wanted to reuse what I had as much as possible. I loved the wood tile I had hung on the lattice panels when I originally decorated my balcony but with the new design, I felt it just wasn’t big enough. So to make is more substantial, I recycled materials I already had on hand to create the perfect wall hanging.

Higher-view-of-wall-art

I have a lot of scrap wood left over from other projects, so I rummaged around to see if there was something I could use to create a backdrop for the wood tile, and I came across this square piece of plywood that was the perfect size. I wanted my wall art to look softer and blend in with the white lattice panels so  I decided to staple a piece of canvas drop cloth to the plywood.

attaching-canvas-cloth-to-plywood

To soften the look even more, I applied a white wash over it, which I made by mixing water with white solid weatherproofing stain from BEHR.

Whitwashing

Since this will be outside, I wanted to be sure it would be sealed, so after the white wash treatment dried, I added a couple of coats of Mod Podge all over the canvas and I also used the weatherproofing stain to seal the back of the plywood.

Putting-on-mod-podge

I didn’t like how dark the wood tile was so I also white washed it so it would be the same tone and color as the drop cloth.

Tile-whitewashed

Then all that was left to do is hang the tile on the plywood covered with canvas (I just used a nail and hung the tile on it). I also added picture hanging hardware on the back and hung it on the lattice panels with wire. Easy!

Balcony-full-view-square

I love it when I’m able to reuse and recycle things that I had on hand to create something new and beautiful: saves things from ending up in the landfills and it saves money too. Win, win!

3 Comments

  1. Sherry

    Always love your ideas Isabelle, Wish you had your own show in HGTV!

    Reply
  2. Denise McNeil

    Ever since l was displaced by the Camp Fire that sent us all scrambling for our lives, l have been checking out tiny homes, and even considering renting a studio. Your ideas are fantastic, and you handle the tools with such ease. I really really enjoy watching your videos. I just found you a couple of nights ago and I’m hooked!

    Thank you for inspiring me.

    Reply
    • Isabelle LaRue

      Hi Denise, Thank you so much for your message! I’m so glad to hear that my work is helpful to you – I can only imagine how hard it must be to go through something like that. If you want more info on tiny homes, check out http://latchcollective.com/ – they are the best resource in Southern California on tiny homes (I’ve been part of this organization for 3 years now). All the best, Isabelle

      Reply

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